The Diamond Heart: Jungian Psychology and the Christian Mystical Tradition
Book ticketsOrganised by:
Association Of Jungian Analysts
Description
This talk is a synopsis of some key papers, and themes, from Julienne’s recent book, ‘The Diamond Heart – Jungian Psychology and the Christian Mystical Tradition’ (2023). She introduces the ancient, Christian notion of interiority, from the writings of the 5thC theologian and philosopher, St Augustine of Hippo, and discuss Jung’s map of the soul as a continuation of this ancient tradition, as modern path of interiority towards self-knowledge and transformation.
In this paper, key Jungian themes relating to transformation of our shadow, the structure and function of symbols of transformation and the path of individuation are explored. Five major symbols of transformation from the 16th C Christian mystical text, ‘The Interior Castle’ by St Teresa of Avila – castle, garden, water, fountains and butterfly – are discussed, from psychological and spiritual perspectives, and concludes with reflections from Thomas Merton, the 20thC American theologian and writer, on the mystery of Presence in the centre of our soul.
Julienne McLean practices as a psychologist, Jungian analyst and training supervisor in north London, and has been in private practice for nearly 30 years. She has had a lifelong involvement in Christian spirituality, with a particular interest in the interface between Jungian psychology and the Christian mystical tradition. She has taught on AJA’s Jungian Analytic Training for Qualified Psychotherapists, at St Mary’s University, Strawberry Hill, London and Sarum College, Salisbury, where she is a Visiting Scholar in Christian Spirituality.
Since 2018, she has been involved with the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality, Oxford, on the Carmelite Spiritual Direction Formation Programme. She is the author of ‘Towards Mystical Union’ (2003, 2013, 2017, St Pauls) a commentary on ‘The Interior Castle’ and ‘The Diamond Heart – Jungian Psychology and the Christian Mystical Tradition’ (2023, Chiron), a collection of her papers and talks over 25 years.
